Cleveland, Ohio -A new survey by Cleveland Clinic reveals which are the health problems that most concern the mens as they age and explores many of the common misconceptions that affect the health of men of all generations.
The survey conducted earlier this year, with a national sample of 1,000 men over the age of 18 in the US, was part of Cleveland Clinic’s seventh annual MENtion It® educational campaign.
The campaign aims to address the fact that men often fail to mention health problems and take steps to prevent them.
The survey found that among the top four health concerns men face as they age, 38% admitted to being concerned about cancer, while 32% were concerned about their sexual health.
When it comes to sexual health issues, 44% of men listed erectile dysfunction as their top concern.
However, more than half of men incorrectly thought that low testosterone is the most common cause of erectile dysfunction.
The survey results show that 71% of men who have experienced problems related to sexual health have also been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
revelations
The survey revealed that despite having these concerns, many men are not proactive when it comes to their health and knowing their family’s medical history.
Fifty-five percent of the participants said they don’t get regular health checkups, and most respondents don’t know their full family medical history; regarding cancers (64%) and urological problems (77%).
Early detection, through preventive health tests and medical evaluations, is essential to diagnose many of these conditions while they are still in their early stages and are treatable and curable.
“We know that men tend to avoid seeking routine medical care and are often unaware of many symptoms that can lead to serious health problems if not identified and treated early,”
Georges Pascal, interim president of the Cleveland Clinic Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute.
“In this year’s survey we wanted to gain a better understanding of men’s top health concerns and educate them about the importance of putting their health first.”
Key findings of the survey:
- As they age, 32% of men worry about their sexual health*, which is almost the same percentage of men who worry about cancer (38%).
- When it comes specifically to sexual health issues, the top issues men are concerned about as they age include erectile dysfunction (44%), loss of sexual desire (39%) and low testosterone levels (36%) .
- More than half of men (58%) mistakenly think that low testosterone is the most common cause of erectile dysfunction. The results show that 71% of men who have experienced problems related to sexual health, including erectile dysfunction, have also been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
- About a third of the men admitted never having been screened for prostate cancer (33%), bladder cancer (36%) and testicular cancer (37%).
- 55% of men said they do not have regular health exams. This is more prevalent among men of color (white, 53% vs. non-white, 63%).
- Most men do not know their complete family medical history when it comes to urological problems (77%) and cancers (64%).
- Includes prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and bladder cancer, sexual dysfunction (including: erectile dysfunction, delayed or premature ejaculation, lack of interest in sex, inability to become aroused, painful intercourse), and infertility
Methodology
These highlights represent key findings in an online survey of a national sample of 1,000 American men, ages 18 and older, living in the continental United States.
Data from the total male population sample were weighted to be nationally representative based on age, gender, ethnicity, region, urban vs. rural, household income, and data. educational level according to the census. The online survey was conducted by Savanta and completed between May 6 and May 17. The margin of error for the total sample at the 95% confidence level is +/- 3.1 percentage points.
About Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit, multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision to provide exceptional patient care, based on the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation.
